New transport boss appointed

21/04/2010 12:00 AM

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The Liberal-National Government has acted to integrate and enhance the co-ordination of the State’s transport operations, regulatory functions and policy development processes by appointing one person to head its three key transport agencies - the Department of Transport, Main Roads WA (MRWA) and the Public Transport Authority (PTA).

Transport Minister Simon O’Brien said from May 3,current chief executive of the PTA, Reece Waldock, would take on the newly-created position of Director General -Transport.

Mr Waldock will concurrently hold the positions of Director General of the Department of Transport; Commissioner for Main Roads; and CEO of the PTA.

“As Western Australia enters a new period of sustained economic growth, it is important the State Government focuses not only on the way we execute policy in the present but, more significantly, on the way that we plan for the future,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Moving people and goods efficiently and safely requires that we take a more integrated approach. Increasing population, urbanisation and other pressures, particularly those of distance and remoteness, mean it is essential we strive to develop and manage the best transport solutions.

“These solutions must ensure our road, rail, ports and public transport systems work cohesively together in a way that uses our finite resources as efficiently as possible.

“Equally important is ensuring that our key transport agencies have a more co-ordinated, co-operative, and unified vision.

“Having one of Western Australia’s most experienced transport administrators, rather than three separate people - as is the current arrangement - is the best way to ensure that this occurs.

The Minister said the appointment would improve planning, policy and budgeting in the large transport portfolio without increasing agency bureaucracy.

“The benefit of having one person co-ordinating these three key transport agencies are obvious. What we know, is that having the right leaders and the right people is the key to delivering good outcomes,” he said.

Mr O’Brien said the State Government had no intention of merging the three organisations into one super-department.

“The arrangement we are implementing will capitalise on the considerable strengths of all three agencies.The PTA and MRWA will continue as statutory authorities so that they continue to apply their expertise and focus to their core activities,” he said

Mr Waldock welcomed his appointment saying that he was committed to ensuring that West Australians continue to have access to one of the best integrated transport systems in the world.

“Good transport policy is about making people’s lives easier. Ensuring we have a more co-ordinated approach to how we plan, manage, and operate Western Australia’s transport requirements, as well as our front lines staff is essential to making this a reality,” Mr Waldock said.

“I look forward to working with the Government to ensure that the PTA, Main Roads and the Department of Transport continue to refine and improve service delivery across the whole transport portfolio in the short, medium and long term.”

The Minister thanked Mr Menno Henneveld for his contribution as Commissioner of Main Roads.

“Menno Henneveld is an experienced and valued public servant within the transport portfolio and I look forward to his continuing contribution,” Mr O’Brien said.